Teen weightlifter eyes gold at Africa champs
PORT Elizabeth-based strongman Curt Pretorius will be looking to do South Africa proud at the African Weightlifting Championships to be held in Mauritius from July 10-18.
The 17-year-old has been competing for a year now and has dominated Eastern Province competitions.
In his very first competition, he won gold by lifting a 75kg snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk.
Pretorius, who competes in the 105kg-plus category, is the current gold medallist at the Arnold Classic.
He has high hopes of clinching another gold medal in his weight division at the African Championships next month.
“I have been training very hard and trying to build muscle and gain more fitness for the competition.
“I am looking to get gold in my first attempt at the 135kg snatch and 125kg clean and jerk events, ” he said.
Attempting the 130kg snatch at the Arnold Classic, Pretorius fell short of the mark and has been training to up his game for the African Championships.
“My ultimate goal is to participate in the Olympics because that would show that my career is headed in the right direction.
“Being on the South African list for the Commonwealth Games in Australia next year has made me really excited and I am amped to work even harder,” he said.
Pretorius has also been dedicating time to coaching children and locals at his home gym in Sardinia Bay.
Also representing Port Elizabeth will be last year’s Commonwealth gold medallist and power lifting veteran Mona Pretorius, 28, who is in Texas, US, pursuing her PhD.
She is no relation of Curt.
The remainder of the South African team is: Portia Vries, Johanni Taljaard, Robyn February, Celeste Macintosh and Caleigh Dade; Greg Shushu, Khati Mabuya, Matthew le Roux, Thapelo Maikhi, Ruben Burger and Mike Sullivan.